Medical insurance, also known as health insurance, is an essential type of coverage for those moving abroad. When you brave a big move to another country, you may be left without access to healthcare facilities in your chosen ex-pat destination if you don’t arrange adequate insurance.
Whether you choose the GeoBlue medical insurance policy or a slightly different plan, having such coverage provides extensive protection when you move abroad. Although each plan is slightly unique and may offer coverage for very specific health scenarios, you can ensure a general baseline level of protection with any sort of medical insurance plan.
Having medical insurance protects you in a number of ways when you transition into ex-pat life. In this article, we’ve covered the various ways medical insurance protects you when you move abroad.
Access to Healthcare Facilities
When you’re living in another country, and you don’t yet have citizenship, you aren’t guaranteed access to local healthcare facilities. Many countries, even those offering free public healthcare, do not allow ex-pats or travellers to receive medical care unless they have valid medical insurance.
Although you might feel happy and healthy in the current moment, you never know when you might sustain an injury, develop an infection, or experience the symptoms of a serious medical condition. If you fail to plan ahead and obtain medical insurance, you could be left fending for yourself when you move abroad.
With a valid and extensive insurance policy, you can access local hospitals and primary healthcare facilities to receive the necessary treatments or surgeries.
You may need to show your insurance documentation when you arrive at your chosen healthcare facility. However, you can rest assured knowing you will receive the medical attention necessary to restore your health and prevent further medical complications.
Reduced Healthcare Costs
International healthcare can be extremely costly if you’re accessing treatments, medications, or surgeries without medical insurance. To avoid receiving hefty medical bills and falling into medical debt if you fall ill, get injured, or need medications whilst living abroad as an ex-pat, you need to purchase health insurance.
Although you will pay a monthly or annual fee for having medical insurance, the savings you can enjoy when you make a claim on your policy make it worth the investment. Your insurance provider will cover some of the costs of your medical bills when you make a claim on your policy.
Your chosen voluntary excess (the amount of money you will pay towards the costs of your medical care) will influence how much money you’re expected to pay when you make a claim. However, your insurer will cover a percentage of your total costs to alleviate your financial strain.
Coverage Across Multiple Countries
If you choose an international health insurance policy, you will have coverage across multiple borders. This is the perfect option if you’re moving to Europe to explore the continent by train, where you will be travelling to more than one country during your time as an ex-pat.
International medical insurance provides peace of mind and streamlines your travel planning process. Instead of purchasing separate insurance policies for each country before you cross a border, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have continuous medical coverage at every step (literally!) of your journey.
Access to Top-Rated Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Facilities
Whether you’re moving to America to study or relocating to Australia to retire, medical insurance will enable you to access the best healthcare facilities in your new area. Without insurance coverage, you might only be able to access a small selection of facilities for basic treatments.
Organising health insurance before you move to another country enables you to access top-rated facilities with expert healthcare staff for a wide range of treatments. Whether you only need a basic health check-up, require ongoing prescription medications, or need access to advanced and specialised treatments, you won’t need to worry when an insurer covers you.
Make sure to choose a policy that covers your unique needs. Health insurance providers offer a wide variety of plans and optional enhancements. Browse your options and speak directly with your chosen insurance provider so you can purchase a policy that meets your medical requirements and preferences.
For example, if you have a rare health condition and access specialist treatment for this condition in your home country, your medical insurance policy must cover the treatments you need. Similarly, if you have a chronic health condition, you must disclose this to your insurance provider so they can advise you regarding the most suitable policy.
